Ending Dog Counter Surfing Woes with Supervision
Everybody knows a dog counter surfing pro when they see one: as soon as the back is turned, a friendly four-legged fiend decides to nose around on a forbidden surface! It can be aggravating at times – but this annoying habit can be banished forever with a little patience.
There is no breed of maintenance-free canine: no matter how well trained a pooch may be, each and every one requires constant supervision at one point or another!
Supervision is the key to eliminating the problem of dog counter surfing. Experienced owners know that serving as a constant chaperone is not always possible which makes preparation a priority. This is where crate training comes in handy!
A pet that is properly acclimated to a crate does not fear spending time in there. In fact, having a safe and calm hideout area is a major asset to the happiness of our companions. Dogs get the most excited about surfaces when food or other new objects are present – whenever the groceries are being put away, or food is being prepared, puppy may be put away so that temptation is not even an issue.
However, doggies need to have a chance to exhibit the right behavior in order to really learn. We can help our pets understand that staying down from the counter can be much more rewarding than jumping up – an especially juicy treat may be given when the canine is lying down quietly when food is being prepared.
Of course, in the meantime, make sure that food is never left within reach of our adventurous pets! One day Fido may grab nothing but an apple, but the next it may be something much more dangerous.
Most dog counter surfing habits will cease to be a problem with supervision, positive reinforcement, and strong preventative measures. Good dog training really is a team sport: it takes effort from both humans and canines to be successful!